Hernia Surgery

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Nearly one in 10 people develop a hernia at some point in their lifetime. Some of these painful bulges in the abdomen may be managed with non-surgical therapies. However, many hernias eventually require surgical repair – especially if they cause pain or symptoms that interrupt your daily life.

Hernia repair specialists at Bravera Health offer laparoscopic hernia repair and other surgical techniques to patients.

Types of Hernias

There are many types of hernias. Some of the most common ones include:

• Diaphragmatic hernia occurs when part of the stomach moves up into the diaphragm, potentially causing heartburn and difficulty swallowing.  This include the hiatal hernia, paraesophageal hernia, Gastric volvulus and some rare hernias like the Morgagni and Bochdalek hernias.
• Incisional hernia occurs when a part of the intestine bulges through an incision site (from a previous surgery) in the abdominal wall.
• Inguinal hernia occurs when a part of the intestine (or other tissue) bulges through the abdominal wall.

Symptoms of a Hernia

Hernia symptoms can vary, depending on the type. Hiatal hernias, for example, commonly cause acid reflux and heartburn, while inguinal hernias can cause pain, aching or pressure in the groin. If a hernia becomes incarcerated (unable to be pushed back into the abdominal wall) it could lead to hernia strangulation, which can cause intense pain and may even be life-threatening in some situations.

Ultimately, if you believe you may have some symptoms of a hernia, you should see your primary care doctor or an urgent care provider for an evaluation. While many hernia repair surgeries are scheduled in advance, some cases may require emergency repair.

Hernia Surgery

Whenever possible, Bravera Health's surgeons use minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques for hernia repair. Laparoscopic hernia surgery utilizes a thin, telescope-like instrument known as an endoscope that is inserted through a small incision. The endoscope is fitted with a tiny video camera that allows the surgeon to visualize the area on screen and repair the weakened area. Because the procedure only requires small incisions, patients have less scarring, pain and a quicker recovery. The surgeon may complete the procedure in as little as 45 minutes with the aid of cameras and small surgical tools. Some hernia repair surgeries at Bravera Health are even done with robotic assistance. Patients typically go home the same day of their surgery.

Our surgeons perform both laparoscopic and conventional hernia repair techniques for various types of hernias, including:

• Epigastric (mid abdomen)
• Hiatal (upper stomach)
• Incisional (occurring through a scar)
• Inguinal (groin)
• Femoral (upper thigh)
• Umbilical (belly button)

Find a Hernia Repair Specialist Near You

We understand that fast, hernia pain relief is one of your top priorities, Bravera Health general surgeons work hard to accommodate same-day consultations, as possible.